The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-07
MEMPHIS DAILY APPEAL: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER = 1887.

the theories Of protection and Tree trade.
This saYors too much of bandying epi-
thCts. II is u condition which Conironts
us-not theory. Relief from this condi-
ton may involve slight reduction OF the
advantages which wcaward our home pro-
ductons, hut the entire withdrawal of
such advantages should not I've contcm-
plated. The question of free trade is alb
sulutCly irrclcycnt; and the persistent
claim made in certain quarters, that all ef-
forts TO relieve the people from unjust and
unnecessary taxation are schemes OF so
called free traders is mischicyous and far
removed from any consideration for the
public good
Tho simple and plain duty which we
owe the people is to reduce taxation to the
necessary expenses OF an economical oper-
alton of the government, and To restore TO
the business OF the country the money
which we hold in the treasury through the
perrcrson OF governmental powers.
These things can and should he done with
safety to all our industries, without danger
TO the opportunity for rcmuncmtiye labor
which our workingmcn need, and with
benefit to them and all our people, by
chcapening their means OF subsistence and
increasing the measure OF their comforts.
THE CONSTITUTION PROVIDES
that the President shall from time to time
give 90 the Congress information of the
state OF the Union. IL has been the Gus
tom OF the Executive, in compliance with
this provision, 20 annually exhibit To the
Congress, at the opening of lis session, the
general condition OF the country, and TO
detail, with some particularly, the opera
tons OF the different executive depart.
mcnls. II would he especially agreeable
TO follow this course az the present time,
and 10 call attention 10 the valuable
accomplishments OF these departments
during the last fiscal year. Bul am 50
much impressed with the paramount im-
portancc OF the subject 10 which this COM
munication has thus far been devoted,
that | shall iowgo the addition OF any
other topic, and only urge upon your
immediate consideration the Estate Of the
Union, us shown in the present condition
oi our treasury and our general fiscal situa-
ton, upon which every element Of our
safety and prosperity depends
The reports ol the heads OF departments
which will he submitted, contain full aud
explicit information touching the trans
N'NlollN W INV hNNluNNN llllNNltu ~ lNtNl,
and such recommendation relating To
legislation in the public interest rs they
! deem advisable. | ask Ion these reports
and recommendations the deliberate cN-
animation and action oI ihc legislative
branch Of the government.
There are other subjects, not embraced
in the departmental reports, demanding
legislative consideration, aud which
should he glad To submit. Some OF them,
however, have been earnestly presented in
previous messages, and, rs 10 them, beg
leave Ia repeat prior recommendations.
A. the law makes no provision Tor any
report from the department Of state, q
brief history Of the transactions ui that i'm
portant department, together with other
matters which Il NAV hereafter hc deemed
essential Ia commend a. the attention ol
the Congress, may furnish the occasion
Tor future communication.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Washington, Dec. a.. 1887.